How to Choose the Right Garmin Chartplotter for Your Boat
Chartplotters Just for Your Boat
When it comes to marine electronics, Garmin leads the way in reliability, innovation, and clarity on the water. Whether you’re chasing trophy bass, navigating coastal channels, or exploring hidden coves, choosing the right Garmin chartplotter can completely change the way you fish and navigate.
With several popular Garmin series available—ECHOMAP™, GPSMAP®, and STRIKER™—it’s important to understand the key differences before deciding which one fits your boat and fishing style.
Below, we’ll break down each series, covering display size, sonar compatibility, mapping options, and networking features so you can make the right choice for your adventures.
Chartplotters
Offering control/display capabilities for connected systems such as sonar, radar, cameras, autopilots, VHF radios, AIS collision avoidance, audio entertainment sources and more.
1. Garmin STRIKER™ Series – Compact, Affordable, and Easy to Use
If you’re looking for a straightforward fishfinder that delivers powerful sonar performance without the added complexity of advanced mapping or networking, the Garmin STRIKER series is your go-to option.
STRIKER™ Series
This cost-effective fishfinder series features clear and colorful sonar that's perfect for small boats and kayaks.
Best For:
Casual anglers, small boats, and kayaks.
Highlights:
- Built-in GPS for marking waypoints, routes, and speed (note: no full mapping).
- CHIRP, ClearVü™, and SideVü™ sonar support for crisp target separation and structure imaging.
- Quickdraw™ Contours lets you create custom maps of your favorite fishing spots.
- Available in multiple screen sizes ranging from 4” to 9”, making it ideal for compact setups.
- Simple interface that’s easy for beginners and weekend anglers.
Why Choose STRIKER:
Affordable, rugged, and accurate. Perfect if you want sonar precision and GPS tracking without needing full chartplotter capabilities or networking.
2. Garmin ECHOMAP™ UHD2 Series – Advanced Sonar and Mapping in One
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 lineup blends powerful sonar, advanced mapping, and touchscreen control, making it one of the most popular series among freshwater and inshore anglers.
ECHOMAP UHD2 Series
Offering anglers premium features like Ultra High-Definition sonar, preloaded Garmin Navionics+™ mapping with an included one-year subscription to daily map updates, wireless networking for data sharing and support for Garmin’s award-winning LiveScope™ live-scanning sonar.
Best For:
Serious anglers who want mapping, networking, and LiveScope™ compatibility.
Highlights:
- Available in 5”, 7”, and 9” keyed-assist touchscreen displays.
- Supports Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü™, and SideVü™ scanning sonar.
- LiveScope™ ready — compatible with LiveScope Plus LVS34 and GLS 10 modules for real-time sonar imaging.
- Preloaded Garmin Navionics+™ mapping with over 18,000 U.S. lakes and 1-foot contours.
- Wireless networking for sharing sonar, waypoints, and routes between compatible ECHOMAP UHD2 units.
- Built-in Wi-Fi® pairs with the ActiveCaptain® app for updates, notifications, and Quickdraw™ Community sharing.
- Multi-band GPS for improved positioning accuracy.
Why Choose ECHOMAP:
If you want a premium, all-in-one chartplotter/fishfinder that’s LiveScope-compatible and easy to integrate with other Garmin devices, the ECHOMAP UHD2 is the sweet spot for most anglers.
3. Garmin GPSMAP® Series – Professional-Grade Performance for Larger Boats
The Garmin GPSMAP line is designed for serious anglers, offshore navigators, and multi-display setups that require top-tier networking and system integration.
GPSMAP Series
Experience a high-resolution chartplotter with modern features for all types of vessels. Get advanced networking capabilities, sonar, mapping, radar support and more with the Garmin GPSMAP Series.
Best For:
Professional anglers, large boats, and offshore applications.
Highlights:
- Display sizes range from 7” to over 16”, with full touchscreen and hybrid controls.
- Supports Garmin’s most advanced sonar systems, including LiveScope™, Panoptix™, ClearVü™, SideVü™, and CHIRP sonar.
- Extensive networking capabilities — integrates with radar, autopilot, AIS, Fusion audio, and more through NMEA 2000® and Garmin Marine Network.
- High-end processors for faster chart rendering and seamless split-screen performance.
- Garmin Navionics Vision+™ chart support with daily updates, 3D views, and satellite imagery.
- Wi-Fi®, ANT+, and Bluetooth® for full ecosystem connectivity.
Why Choose GPSMAP:
If you run multiple displays, rely on radar or autopilot, or fish in offshore conditions, the GPSMAP series gives you professional-level control and expandability.
4. Which Garmin Chartplotter Is Right for You?
- For Kayak / Jon Boat Anglers we recommend STRIKER Series because it's compact, simple, and an affordable sonar & GPS Combo.
- For Freshwater Bass / Inland Lakes we recommend ECHOMAP UHD2 Series because it features Mapping + LiveScope compatibility + wireless sharing.
- For Coastal / Offshore Fishing we recommend GPSMAP Series because of it's seamless and advanced networking, radar, and system integration.
- For Tournament Fishing / Multi-Unit Setup we recommend ECHOMAP or GPSMAP because they Supports LiveScope and waypoint sharing across displays
5. Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Garmin chartplotter comes down to how you fish, where you fish, and what level of tech you want on board.
- If you just need accurate sonar and GPS — go STRIKER.
- If you want mapping, LiveScope, and wireless sharing — choose ECHOMAP UHD2.
- If you’re building a fully networked marine system — nothing beats GPSMAP.
At Suncoast Marine & Auto, we carry the full range of Garmin marine electronics, from entry-level fishfinders to professional-grade systems. Whether you’re upgrading your setup or outfitting a new vessel, our experts can help you find the perfect chartplotter to fit your fishing lifestyle.
👉 Shop Garmin Chartplotters & LiveScope Bundles here: Suncoast Marine & Auto Garmin Collection